The Wilson County Solid Waste Board on Jan. 9 approved its monthly solid waste report and discussed several operational matters, including higher landfill revenue compared with the same month in 2023, a proposed vehicle purchase using a state bid price, and ongoing questions about who should pay for a deputy assigned to site monitoring.

Board members said landfill revenue was up compared with the same month last year and that hauler Rockwood was bringing additional loads. Solid waste staff reported hauling about 72 more tons to Smith County in December 2024 than in December 2023 and said $271,920 had been spent on tipping fees so far. Recycling tonnage rose by about 35 tons while recycling revenue fell by about $1,800. Convenience-center collections totaled 443 loads in December, an increase of 25 loads from the previous year.

Cindy Lynch, who presented the solid waste report, said the department had located a plate truck on a state contract and that she had the funding in her budget. "I have the money and new equipment, so I'm not asking for any money," Lynch said. Commissioners asked whether staff still needed the board’s approval to purchase the vehicle under state procurement rules; a staff member said purchases over $15,000 must be brought to the board despite budgeted funds. Board members agreed to approve the report during the meeting; the approval was recorded by voice vote.

Board members also raised an ongoing question about the cost of a deputy previously hired to provide site monitoring. Commissioners said Lynch’s budget had been covering the deputy and the vehicle purchase for more than two years even though the deputy was reportedly not working at the site recently. County leaders asked staff to coordinate with Sheriff Brian to resolve who should ultimately pay for the deputy and the position’s assignments.

Lynch said the county's arrangement with a contractor (referred to variously in the meeting as Rockwood or Rockford) had been generating revenue but that landfill monitoring wells required retesting after recent activity. "I'm afraid the dust from drywall is gonna be what contaminates the wells. So I'm kinda waiting to see on that and see if there's something we can do to pull out, perhaps pull out the drywall," Lynch said. She told the board she was awaiting retest results before bringing a contract for formal approval.

The discussion clarified that departments may spend within budget authority but that certain purchases on state contract still trigger a formal board notice or approval depending on procurement thresholds. After discussion, a motion to approve the solid waste report was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The board did not adopt any new policy changes during the discussion; members asked staff to report back with results of the well tests and to coordinate with the sheriff’s office on the deputy funding and assignments.

Actions taken at the meeting were recorded as voice votes; no roll-call tallies were given in the transcript.